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Hello all.  15 year old pitching son has described a "popping" sensation on the backside of his throwing shoulder.  He experienced this early in summer ball last year, a "popping" feeling that he thought he could almost hear.  It didn't seem to hurt much but he did feel the need to back off on velocity after it happened (day of).  It happened a second time last summer as well.  He experienced it again over this past weekend closing out the HS season.  All three times it has occured has been in the bullpen while warming up to start a game.  So my guess has been that it's possible that this was caused by throwing too hard in pen before being fully warmed up, though son says this is not the case.  When it happened this past weekend, he went on and threw a complete game with 97 pitches... though his velocity did seem a little off to me.  Of course, dad never hears about the "popping" issue until after the game... and son of course never tells coach at all for fear that he won't allow him to pitch the tgame he's warming up for.  Son seems unconcerned about the popping, but after letting it slide last season I would like to get a handle on what this might be prior to the summer season getting going... which is basically right away here in the next couple of weeks.  Appreciate any experience or input anyone might have on this... thanks.

When all is said and done, more is said than done.

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Popping or clicking can be a sign of shoulder impingement and there are all types of impingements in the shoulder area. My son kept complaining of this, then again after a scope (where they found nothing), it was cortacoid impingement but this was in a different area than your sons popping.  Continuous impingement anywhere can lead to a tear.

 

Loss of velo is enough of a sign to warrant concern with that sound.

 

I suggest taking the time to see a doctor (one that specializes in sports injuries) to eliminate any issue that may cause a bigger issue later on. Don't wait until he experiences pain.

 

Best of luck, keep us informed.

I would agree with TPM here. Loss of velocity combined with popping should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Without looking at his shoulder myself, I can't tell you what specifically is going on, but I think it warrants exam.

 

Remember as a pitcher, his shoulder and elbow are everything. Don't take any chances.

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